Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction ❯ A Love Forgotten ❯ Stars Remember ( Chapter 20 )

A Love Forgotten

By Joyfulmusic

 

I don't own FMA

Note: May contain spoilers!

 

Chapter 20: Stars Remember

 

Briana sat in her room, her wheelchair pulled up to the desk. She'd already been to physical therapy that day and so had nothing else to do. `I wish Winry were still here.' She was becoming board. The mechanic had been able to take her out places while Ed and Al continued with their research. However, her friend had to go back to Resembool sooner or later.

 

Pulling open a drawer she found one of many journals. Leafing through she sighed at the thought of Jacob's memory being lost. She loved Edward dearly but wished he could remember all the wonderful times they'd shared. Finding one entry in particular, she decided to read it.

 

November 16th

 

It's been a long day and snow is already beginning to fall outside my window. While stoking the fire today my automail hand became hot without my realizing it. When I touched Brie's bare back as she came out of the bathroom, I burned her. She swears it's alright that she's fine but it was a pretty bad burn. I'm afraid it will leave a mark.

 

Absentmindedly Briana touched the spot. It was behind her shoulder and had left a scar, five small dots where his fingers had come in contact with her. Luckily she'd yelped before he touched his full hand to her skin. His face had furrowed as he pulled away from her, desperate to keep from doing any more damage.

 

I'm afraid I'll end up causing her harm enough that she'll turn from me. Just a few months back in a fit of terror I jerked awake, my automail leg having been against her skin. It's left a jagged line on her thigh. It's another reminder of what a freak I am. I can't seem to help but hurt the one I love.

 

She hadn't known at the time he feared she'd leave because of the accidents. Nor had she realized he felt the same way his true self did. Both blamed themselves for the things that happened to those they were close to. It was a fixation that she wished didn't link the two.

 

Brie was still looking at that page when someone came in. Wrapping his arms around her, the alchemist kissed her neck. “Hey, what are you doing in here all alone?” She held up the book, which he took. Examining it closely he frowned. “So you've been reading my journal?”

 

Stretching out a hand to take it back, she frowned when he held it out of her reach. “Yes I was reading it. Now give it back.” But he was reading the passage she'd just read. When he scowled she prodded him in the stomach. “I said give it back. I'm done with it yet. You can have it later.”

 

Glancing at her over it, Ed moved to lie back on the mattress. “Did it leave a scar?” His voice was flat and when she nodded he sighed heavily. His eyes shifted to her leg. He'd seen the gash but hadn't asked what it was from. “How many times did something like this happen?”

 

Rolling over to sit beside the bed she shook her head. “It doesn't really matter does it? There were a lot of good things that happened too.” Locking the wheels she carefully moved from the chair to the bed. Shifting so that she was lying beside him took some work, but she managed it.

 

He closed the book but left his finger in place for a marker. “Alright so then tell me about some of these good times because I sounded really depressed in this entry.” Putting his arms around her, he pulled her close. “I want to know everything. Don't leave out any details.

 

Brie rolled her eyes before thinking back. “Well there was that time we camped out, just to watch the stars.” Smiling, she turned so that her back was against his chest. “It was back before we got married. You had got it into your head that you wanted to sleep out in the country…

 

 

“I can't believe I let you talk me into this!” Briana grumbled as she trudged up the small mountain path behind Jacob. He might have been her best friend and roommate but he had some crazy ideas about fun. “There's no telling what kind of animals live out here. What if I get bitten?”

 

His laughter was wholehearted. “Brie, nothing is going to happen to you. Quit being such a baby about it and come here.” Holding out his left hand to her, she took it. “Just look at that.” He was motioning with his automail at the view. The land seemed to roll on for ever.

 

Catching her breath, she peered out across the vista in awe. “I've never seen anything so beautiful.” A lone large bird coasted on the wind currents overhead. Flowers were in bloom all around them. The country side was alive with the wonders of nature. “I can't believe this is my first time camping.”

 

Pulling off his pack, Jake began to unload the tent. “You've really got to get out more Brie. You've been cooped up in that town too long.” Taking in a deep breath he grinned. “This is the life, out away from all the hustle of people, where you can just be yourself, without having to worry about anyone else.”

 

Taking off her own bag, the brunette shook her head. “You worry too much about what other people think. You should be able to be yourself anyway.” Tugging out the snacks she frowned. He was scowling deeply. “What is it? Your arm isn't hurting you again is it?”

 

“No.” His words said one thing while his voice said another. Touching his shoulder he felt the stabbing pain returning. “Maybe, just a little, but it'll be alright I think.” However she was already behind him. “Hey I said it's going to be ok! Can't you just take my word for it?”

 

“Ha.” She scoffed, tugging his jacket off of him. He'd only worn it to keep from getting scratched by the branches as they passed through the woods. “I know you too well than to believe you when it comes to this automail.” Gently she began to rub it, feeling his muscle instantly ease. “Better?”

 

“Hmm.” His eyes were closed as she continued. `I wish I could just tell you how I feel. Then I wouldn't have to pretend to be hurt to feel your hands against me like this.' But he was too scared to say anything. As friends she would take his hand, but they didn't hold them like people in love. And he could put his arm around her, but only long enough to help her.

 

What he didn't know was that she felt the exact same way. `Maybe it really wasn't bothering him, but I don't mind. Just to be close to him like this. But I'm the famed single of the town. Everyone thinks I'll die an old maid all because I turned Wyatt down. But oh Jacob…'

 

With reluctance, Jake pulled away. “We've got to get this stuff set up before the sun goes down or it won't get done at all.” Unfolding the tent he found that she was simply staring at him. Turning his back to her he could feel a knot rising in his throat. “Unpack the food, will you?”

 

Snapping out of her dream world, the brunette nodded. Moving to the place where she'd sat down her own pack she began unloading it. `I've got to get my head out of the clouds! He thinks of me as a friend, that's all I am to him. Heaven knows I wish that were all he was to me.'

 

 

The stars overhead looked like a million diamonds shining down on them. Briana was lying on her back on the blanket. Jacob was beside her, watching her expressions as the lights danced in her eyes. The sounds of the night echoed all around them like a wonderful melody being played for their ears alone.

 

“It's incredible out here.” She breathed, sitting up she drew up her legs and wrapped her arms around them. Resting her head upon her knees she sighed heavily. “Ow!” Slapping a palm against her neck she frowned. “I think I've been bitten. Jake, take a look and see what it was.”

 

Moving to kneel beside her he pushed her hand away to examine it closely and smiled. “It's just a mosquito bite, nothing to worry about.” But she was still frowning deeply. “Here, I'll see if I can fix it. You're such a baby.” Leaning over, he pressed his lips against the wound.

 

Brie inhaled deeply, the air catching in her thought. Reaching back she seized him just behind the head, holding him there. His eyes shifted to take a glimpse toward her. Slipping his arms around her, he kissed her again, and then again. It became more passionate as her grip on him tightened.

 

“I love you Brie.” He breathed, finally pulling away. Instantly he seemed to regret his proclamation. Turning several shades of red he backed away even farther. “I'm sorry I didn't mean to… I mean…” Swallowing hard, Jacob felt like he'd just ruined their entire friendship in one moment of weakness.

 

“Don't apologize.” She scolded, crawling over to him. “I love you too.” With that, she wrapped a hand behind his neck and pulled him close again. Locking lips she reveled in his nearness. `Don't ever apologize for loving me. Don't ever regret showing me how you feel.'

 

 

“So what else happened that night?” The alchemist questioned, trying hard to remember. He could almost swear he could see them lying there like that, but it was only by suggestion. Memory, after all, isn't something that's unchangeable. “What else did we do there under the stars?”

 

Blushing, his wife rolled her eyes. “Nothing we just kissed. We waited until after we were married before we did anything else. And before you ask, yes you were my first.” His grip around her tightened. “But that night was when I first knew for sure that you had feelings for me.”

 

A light knock came at the door although it was open. Alphonse was standing there holding an open book. “Brother I think I've found a map of the old Ishbalen temple we read about before you disappeared.” He'd started stating it that way to keep down confusion and tempers.

 

Sitting up, Ed reached out his hand for it. “Let me have a look at that.” Taking it, he studied the drawing carefully. `This could be it. We may actually be close this time!' A grin came over his face. “You're right Al it's the one we were looking for. The stone's bound to be here.”

 

Briana watched her husband closely. “You mean you might be able to find one that's already been made?” He nodded, still reading in the book. “But I don't get it, the people of Ishbal don't believe in using alchemy. Why on earth would they have a stone hidden in one of their temples?”

 

“Because,” The armor explained, patient with her lack of knowledge. “a long time ago, way back before the war, Ishbal split into two separate groups. But the ones who created the stone disappeared completely. It may be that they were destroyed by what they didn't fully understand.”

 

The old light was back in Edward's eyes. He could taste the victory and it was sweet. However when he glanced to the brunette his heart fell. `I can't leave her here, what if Envy came back? And we definitely couldn't take her. Although… if I could get Al's body back that would end all this searching.'

 

Laying a hand on his leg, Brie smiled warmly. “I'll go stay with Winry while you're gone. But you better come back, or I'll never forgive you.” Wrapping an arm around his neck she pulled him into a short kiss. Then, turning to Al, she added, “Go call and let her know we're on our way.”